Efferent control of stimulus access to the hamster vomeronasal organ

Previous workers had identified the vomeronasal organ, on anatomical evidence, as an accessory olfactory organ, present in most terrestrial vertebrates. Lesion experiments had demonstrated its importance in sexual behaviour in the hamster. Howevever, the sequestered position of the vomeronasal receptor epithelium within the organ raised questions concerning the access of olfactory stimuli. Using electrophysiological and pharmacological methods we have now demonstrated the following. 1. A pumping mechanism exists, powered by vasomotor movements, which can suck stimulus substances into the vonmeronasal organ. 2. A mechanism also exists for the active expulsion of the contents of the vomeronasal organ. 3. These mechanisms are activated by fibres running in the nasopalatine nerve. 4. The suction mechanism is controlled by sympathetic, probably adrenergic, fibres from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion. Control of the expulsion mechanism has not been definitely established but does not appear to be sympathetic. 5. The vomeronasal organ can be adequately stimulated by activation of the pumping mechanism in the presence of odour. 6. Odour responses of single units in the accessory olfactory bulb have been recorded for the first time. 7. The time course of neuronal response in the accessory olfactory bulb is more rapid than predicted by many authors. The response is sufficiently fast that the vomeronasal system cannot be ruled out as a possible sensory pathway in many odour related behaviours. Possible modes of action of the pumping mechanism in awake animals are discussed.